Chelsea suffer embarrassing defeat after Damiao's late winner

Frank Lampard tasted defeat for the first time as Chelsea head coach as his side went down 1-0 to Kawasaki Frontale.

After games against Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic in Ireland, Chelsea headed to Japan for the J.League World Challenge. But they slipped to a late loss with former Brazil striker Leandro Damiao on target for Kawasaki Frontale in the 88th minute to give the team who are in third in the J League a famous victory. 

 

July 19, 2019

Pedro failed to make the most of two opportunities in the first half-hour as Chelsea toiled in humid conditions in Yokohama. Mason Mount then curled an effort just wide after Lampard made five changes to his side at the half-time interval.

The J.League side continued to keep Chelsea at bay thanks to solid work in defence and goalkeeper Shota Arai quickly came off his line to deny Kenedy after Ross Barkley's pass split the defence. David Luiz hit a free-kick into the wall before Olivier Giroud's set piece called Arai into action again, the goalkeeper making a smart save low to his left.

Christian Pulisic came on to make his debut for Chelsea in the 65th minute after cutting short his holiday after the Gold Cup and the Blues attacked, but were frustrated by a combination of poor finishing and a well ordered Kawasaki team. 

Giroud had a late header saved by Arai and Damiao got above Davide Zappacosta but saw his effort come back off the crossbar in a frantic finale. There was still time for Kawasaki Frontale to win it at the death. Damiao arrived at the back post to nod beyond Willy Caballero and secure a famous victory.

Next up for the Blues will be Barcelona in Saitama on Tuesday with Lampard's first Premier League game in charge coming against Manchester United on August 11.

 

July 19, 2019